Arizona judge tosses lawsuit against Democratic lawmaker

(KYMA, KECY/ AP News) - A Yuma court dismissed a defamation lawsuit filed against former Democratic state lawmaker Charlene Fernandez.

The lawsuit was filed by three Republican politicians after Fernandez called for an investigation of their roles in the January 6th insurrection at the U.S. Capitol.

One Judge Pro out of Yuma Superior Court found the comments by former Representative Fernandez were protected by the first amendment’s rights to free speech and petition the government.

Fernandez, along with 41 other Democratic lawmakers signed a letter last January urging the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate then-state representatives Mark Finchem and Anthony Kern, along with Paul Gosar and Andy Biggs.

The Republicans claimed that the letter was a smear and  “baselessly” accused them of the “highest possible crimes against the government of the united states.”

Of the 42 democrats who signed the letter, Fernandez was the only one who was sued.

She resigned her post as an Arizona representative late last year  to take a job in President Biden’s Administration.